"It's awesome. This is one of the best Wirth cars I've driven," said Pagenaud, who has driven three previous HPD/Acura prototypes, including last year's ARX-01e.

"It's such a big evolution from last year's car. The engine gives us good power, the front splitter gives the car additional downforce and the new tub gives us better efficiency as well. It's generally the same aero package as the car we ran last year."